Dear Doubt: You are no longer my friend!

The week leading up to Sun Mountain 50 miler ~ We had been dealing w/ a host of issues.

Friday morning: Benjamin had projectile vomit that continued for the whole day....Sat am. Gary had a 50k race ~ Luckily Benjamin made a 90% recovery and we went on to crew his race. We made it to Monday before Hannah ~ started with her projectile vomiting. She took a little longer to get over her bout with the flu ~ 2 days of solid rest.

Whew! ~ It was now Saturday morning and no others were vomiting! We loaded up the truck and headed out on Saturday morning. Destination Winthrop, Wa. As we arrive in the vicinity of Seattle....Sophia started in on the projectile vomiting! Shooting the plastic bag out of Gary's hand and sending vomit into his lap & Sophia's. We made a sudden stop and changed out Sophia's clothes and Gary was in bad shape....I forgot to pack a change of pants ~ yikes! Now we were committed to getting to Winthrop. We figured if we could get her to the motel and rest up she'd probably be fine by morning. She continued to be sick for a few hours. Gary was a trooper and sat with her. (The runner really needed to steer clear of vomit) ~ Benjamin sat next to Sophia, his fingers were in his ears and a plastic spoon stuffed up his nose to not smell the fabulous odor. We were in luck we had a shoe box lined with a plastic bag and that held out till the vomit session was over ~ many uses for a shoe box! (thank you Brooks)

Now we finally make it to the motel and Sophia is magically cured when we make it to our room. She's ready to eat and drink everything and we were scared of what that could bring. We limited her intake and waited till morning. Meanwhile, Benjamin fell out of bed in the middle of the night screaming and then proceeded to sleep walk. (Now I'm really awake!) he also had a watch that beeped every hour also he had snuck a stopwatch into his bag with some random timer that went off at 2:43am. I had visions of running it over w/ my truck. A 4am alarm went off for Gary to go help out with parking for the race and my alarm went off at 5am. No sleep for me.

Well, we made it through a night without anyone getting sick! Loaded the kids up and headed to the start line. I was able to meet Duncan Callahan ~ it was finally nice to meet him in person ~ he is an amazingly fast runner. Also, Nick Triolo was there too ~ just enough time to wave at the start and I wouldn't see much of him until mid race!(on a loop) Duncan was leading and Nick was 6 min. behind him. Duncan was all business and Nick was smiling and giving a shout out!

Starting line

Five minutes to the start James Varner RD, gave a quick speech about trail markings and barb wire fences & cowboy fences & crawling under some. I manage to squeeze through a couple and under a couple. I was good at "Limbo" when I was a kid but I really wish I could have seen some of the taller guys make it under them. Then the race started and everyone was out and gone before I knew it. Keeping my pace was all I was after. At about mile 4 I was all alone and enjoying incredible views and loving just being out on the trail. I had a "Sound of Music" moment ~ I looked around and made sure no one was looking and stretch my arms out and had my eyes fill w/ tears ~ this is what it's all about!

The kids after their 1K race (sophia even wanted to run)....she has the makings of an ultrarunner.

The kids has some great adventures & mountain climbing too!

The rest of the day I just continued to focus on my run and try to keep a consistent pace. That was my game plan and I'm sticking to it. I was not letting my mind wonder off on some doubting trip. I had been struggling w/ the distance and not really racing at all in 2011. My confidence was a little lacking. Prior to Sun Mountain I really worked on "self talk" and how to quickly steer away from negative thinking and remember prior "great" races! Midway through my race I hit a low point w/ a little too much walking. I made it into mile 36 and was greeted by Gary & the kids again...I could almost smell the barn!

getting closer to the end!

I finally hooked up w/ a guy named Jason ~ and we ran and chatted about kids, family and life! It really helped my pace and kept me running also, it was some of the sweetest single track. My climbing was getting better as time proceeded and I soon found myself running into the last aidstation. One last climb 2 steep miles up 2 steep miles down and 2 miles gradual climb to the finish. My climb went exceedingly well I was so excited and just popped right up the hill. It was fun to see people on their way down, I had fun clapping and cheering them on. I made a game of it and set my eye on a few runners and thought of how I could catch them on the downhill. My downhill was okay ~ the steep stuff was a little hard on my toes ~ The Big Toe is going to be a goner. I focused on "not" focusing on my feet and got myself moving. Running the uphills were now easier on me then the down. I kept reeling in runners and that game got me to the finish line that much easier. One last runner I almost caught her at the finish but with about 100 yards to the finish she turned and saw me and then took off! Dang!

great music at the finish line

9:37 ~ a PR for me. I would have been happy w/ 10:00 hrs, so I'm elated.
I needed this race and this outcome as I head into Bighorn 100 in June. Meanwhile, I'll continue on with my training. In a couple weeks I am headed out on an adventure w/ some great people to run Mt. Zion & Bryce Canyon.

Peterson Ridge Rumble - April DNF

In April I ran Peterson Ridge Rumble ~ to only drop at 30 miles due to massively tight hip flexors w/ each foot placement brought great pain. I'm not quite sure as to why I didn't just cut it short and run 20 miles. I focused on the cut-off for the last section. After climbing the long cinder road I decided to call it a day. I only had 10 miles left of pretty much all downhill but, that day just wasn't my day. I didn't need to waste myself on this race w/ Bighorn 100 right around the corner. One good thing about it was that I would get to cheer Gary on as he finishes his race strong!

This is only a test

As I head to Peterson's Rumble ~ 40 miler.....I am ready to run. I'm running against myself and am excited to see friends on the trail!

I'm stretching the legs & the brain all in one day. I haven't raced since 2010.
This posted was first suppose to be about the challenges of coming back from a injury.

This racing season is so different from last. Last year was a more "self" focused season. I actually was quite selfish w/ my schedule. No Dr. appointments, no outside interference and many sacrifices by others.

This year has became very "full". Most would say too busy and hectic ~ but in retrospect it has been one of the most fulfilling seasons of all. I have added in more visiting and on recovery runs I run with my children. Lunches with friends and making a more planned schedule has been huge. I have a "full" feeling. I think some ultrarunners can get too self absorbed and sacrifice so much. It has truly been a reward to think of all the people I have been able to hang out with and what a difference that makes for me.

Balance. I run on the trail and let my mind wander ~ it feels good! Definately more of an inward journey without that sounding too corny. Now, I'm working on the "racer" in me. She's in there and still competitive.

Let's see what happens.

Back on Schedule

Well, I've managed to get back on schedule. It took a coach to get me set & motivated. I was so excited when receiving my spreadsheet of workouts!

I'm working with one of the top competitors in ultrarunning. Krissy Moehl.

I'm doing a few different things this time around. I'm incorporating some am. & pm. workouts. To help out the capillary beds. I figured if Geoff Roes & Tony Krupika talked about the benefits, I'd give it a try. I'm also doing some am. running & some form of body workout, circuit training or yoga in the evening. I'm also, adding in some minimal running. I am waiting for the release of New Balance's "Minimus" ~ minimal shoe. Great reviews!!


I'm headed into my 3 year of running. I'm so excited to see what this year holds, in terms of running ultras. My focus this year is being positive and having a blast! Pushing harder and learning from my mistakes.

I've been working with my homeschool group of highschoolers. I've been doing a 50 min. circuit training class. It's been fun to hang out with such a great group of kids. In the Spring I will be doing a running class ~ which will be a major treat for me. It'll be 7 weeks of fun Wednesdays. I'm eventually going to take them out on the trail and hopefully someone will fall in love with trail running.

The Time Has Come

The pants have gotten tighter and my patience for a muffin top have grown weary!
That's what will happen with an injury prior to the holidays! Then of course, continual eating of goodies. I've also, managed to catch every cold I've come in contact with during the winter. I was always was so proud of how I hadn't been sick in 2 years. Well, I managed to catch all the 2 years worth of colds and lump them into 8 weeks.

I'm finally well and rested.
The last 2 weeks have finally found me back on track.

1- longer run
1- tempo run
2- 1.5 hour runs
2- 2+ hour bike rides

I feeling good but still working on the whole glute & achilles issue.
My left side is a continual work in progress.

Training is so much fun. I'm running so much more in the MacDonald Forest ~ I'm learning the trails w/ a little trial and error.
Climbing is going to be a big focus for me.

Gary & I have been doing more running together and that has been a blast. We take turns pushing & pulling each other. He stops to tie his shoe and I try to lose him! I did it once...he turned on the wrong trail. I'll take it ~ navigation is part of trail running success! Gary is great on the climb and is a continual push for me. There are also times when we put the tunes on and just run!

Gary spoiled me with a new Mt. bike for Christmas ~ this last Christmas has been a very difficult one for me. Having a larger family opens you up to deeper hurts in dealing w/ children. So, to ease some of my pain...he thought a mt. bike would cheer me up. Guess what??, it did.

It gave me opportunity to work some different muscles and step out a little into a scary zone. Nothing like being clipped into your pedals and stuck to your bike while riding down a steep hill or trying to find some sort of balance before slamming yourself to the ground. Funny how you can think about how you'll put your foot down to stop and then when you stop..your brain forgot to work! I'm assured that this is common.

I have a few things in the works for this coming year but, first I am waiting to see if I get in on the lottery for Hardrock 100. That won't be posted till the first week in February.

I'm hoping I get in & hoping I don't ~ make sense??

Wrapping up a crazy year!

As I review this whole year ~ I can revel in all that has transpired.

Marathons, 100 mile races, pacing, injury and near death experiences with "too" many family members! Raising little ones and building friendships with my older one. Continuing a romance with the love of my life (Gary). Dealing with painful issues of what life brings. Losing friends and making new ones. Tears and laughter (the kind that make my asthma act up). Running, mountain biking and just plain living.

Are they all gifts?? Yes, for if I didn't experience each trial or joyful experience ~ I wouldn't be who I am today.

It's hard to be thankful in the moment of all of life's trials but I truly do know of the promise ~ that I'm a continual work in progress. My life is amazing and I love big! Anyone that "really" knows me....knows that for sure! I have big hopes for next year and am promised of some "kind" of adventure that lurks around the corner.

During my off season of running I have had plenty of time to chase the kid around and not enough time with my grand-children.

I've talked with a dear friend Trisha ~ who planted a seed....How can I live my life with purpose?

Romans 12:2
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Wildwood 10K, Wasatch 100, Bear 100

Wildwood 10k

Benjamin had ultimate success! He ran his first 10K 1:10 (11:09pace)

He was such a joy to watch him run the course. He continually ran with his arms out like an airplane. We talked about how it's all about having fun but at the same time he wasn't too keen about people passing him. We had a younger girl (20ish), try to pass...he held her off for 1/4 mile before easing up a bit. He made me work on the downhill ~ I was very impressed. I'm trying to keep it fun and let Ben tell me when he wants to run. It's been a blast to hang out and see the excitement of running on the trail from a child's eye. When I run I run from a child's mind on what I can remember!

1:10 (11:09 pace)

The whole gang to celebrate Ben's Victory.

WASATCH 100

Oregon Crew ~ Anna, Dennis, Sander, Chip, Ward & Gary

Gary had an incredible race!

He had a goal of 28 hours and I know some people thought that was too big of goal for such an inexperienced ultrarunner. Gary is underestimated!! He has grit and determination like no other. He started w/ a 29 hour pace chart but continued to come in ahead of schedule at each aidstation. I was so excited to see him. We'd see each other and get teary eyed ~ to share in each others triumphs and the joy of loving to run in the woods has been such an amazing experience! It touches both of us!

Pep talk time (although, he didn't need it)

I started to pace Gary @ Brighton ~ It is always so exciting to jump in and run the last part of the race together. Gary ran strong and made me work to keep up!! The last 25 miles where so hard. The "plunge" and "dive" were quite physically challenging ~ Gary had a few spills in those sections. Running Wasatch 100 w/ Gary made all other trails look easier!

28:27 ~ AMAZING and STRONG Finish!!

BEAR 100

I didn't have the same success that Gary did but I learned a lot about myself that day.

Drake, Joe and Me at the start

The Bear was a very different race. Very laid back to say the least. I was mostly conserned about the marking of the course but it never crossed my mind that running out of water at aidstations would be a problem! Luckily Gary carried several gallons of water and he was able to save the day for many other runners.

The course was marked well and it was beautiful. The first climb of the day was the hardest for me. The day continued to warm up and so was I. Saw Gary at Leathem (20m) ~ was just what I needed. Leaving the aidstation I walked w/ Jamshid. A huge herd of cows took over the road. I tucked in behind Jamshid and a few other runners and the cows parted like crazy. I had no idea that cows are terrified of you. They will try to climb straight up a mountain to get away from you. Also, another extra that no one mentions...most of the run all you smell is "Cow Poop"! Plenty of landmines too.

I was warming up on the climb out of Richard's Hollow, it was very warm on that climb. Coming into Cowley Canyon was a nice descent. I headed out of Cowley on another gravel road. This is where I found my race. I gained an incredible powerhike!!, at least for me. I am usually passed on the uphill but this time I was walking right past people. I continued w/ a steady downhill but not fast. Getting into Righthand Fork ~ it was good to see Gary and have him walk me out of the aidstation and feed off his energy.

From Righthand Fork to Temple Fork was so beautiful. There was a section of canyon (little) after descending off another road. The canyon was green & a gradual rolling ~ I loved it w/ a small river beside the trail. Getting into Temple Fork I surprised Gary, because my pace was picking up and I was feeling strong & positive!

Leaving Temple Fork I started the climb. I passed quite a few people and was feeling good......out of nowhere I felt my left soleus/calf begin to tighten and within a few min. I was stopped dead in my tracks. I was only able to walk on my tip toe w/ my left foot, even then it was quite painful. As I walked the next 1.5 hours to get into Tony Grove, it gave me plenty of time to come to terms w/ having to quit. I couldn't do this another 50 miles and I didn't want to need surgery afterwards either. So I called it a day at Tony Grove.

The hardest part about quiting is that I felt good. I was happy and my body was not tired! My leg however didn't. This is an injury I had back in July and didn't take it serious enough ~ I had actually forgotten about it.

The agony of defeat ( Tony Grove aidstation)

I will be back next year...at least that is my plan.

This years running season has been a great year!! We have had so many adventures and travels! My truck offically knows how to get to Idaho, Utah and Wyoming! Gary and I already are talking about next years races and what we want to do and what we hope to do! Hardrock is on our wish list, just like so many others. We have met new friends and it has been incredible!!

Let's see what kind of Winter adventures we can find......